The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George (MP), has challenged journalists to uphold professionalism, integrity, and critical thinking in their work amid the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the media space.
Speaking at the 8th West Africa Media Excellence Awards (WAMECA 2025) held on Saturday, 11th October, at Alisa Hotel in Accra, he cautioned that while AI can enhance productivity, it must not replace the research, creativity, and intellectual rigour required in journalism.
“AI is not meant to replace the hours of research it takes to produce a journalistic piece. It is not meant to replace human thinking. Unfortunately, many are mortgaging their thinking faculties to artificial intelligence, and it’s affecting the quality of work being produced,” he said.
Hon. Samuel Nartey George urged emerging journalists to emulate the commitment and work ethic of veteran professionals who built the foundation of credible journalism in Ghana and across the region. “We cannot go below the standards set by those who came before us. Let that be your reflection tonight,” the Minister added.
The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Mr. Sulemana Braimah, announced that the 2025 edition of WAMECA received 793 entries from 600 media organisations across 15 West African countries. After a rigorous review by a four-member jury, 26 finalists from seven countries were shortlisted, with nine journalists emerging as ultimate winners.
Mr. Braimah commended the finalists for demonstrating courage, creativity, and commitment to ethical journalism. He also expressed gratitude to partners including Co-Develop, DW Akademie, OXFAM in Ghana, AfricaNenda Foundation, GCB Bank, and over 50 media organisations across West Africa for supporting the event.
According to him, WAMECA, is regarded as the region’s most prestigious journalism award, seeks to promote excellence, integrity, and press freedom in West Africa.
List of finalists for WAMECA 2025:
Taiwo Adebulu, The Cable, Nigeria
Fleur Birba, Sidwaya, Burkina Faso
Clinton Yeboah, Luv FM / Multimedia, Ghana
Kunle Adebajo, HumAngle, Nigeria
Patricia Sia Ngevao, Awoko Publications (SL) Ltd., Sierra Leone
Kanssouguibe Douti, Laabali, Togo
Jemilat Abdulrasheed Nasiru, The Cable, Nigeria
Yaye Awa Niang, Freelancer, Senegal
Bakare Majeed, Premium Times, Nigeria
Alfred Koroma, Concord Times Newspaper, Sierra Leone
Ijeoma Opara, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Nigeria
Oumarou Rabo, Sidwaya, Burkina Faso
Pape Bocar Mbow, CESTI TV, Senegal
Fousseni Saibou, Le Ténor, Togo
Folashade Ogunrinde, Premium Times, Nigeria
Mahougnon Angèle Adanle, Bénin WebTV, Benin
Al’amin Umar, HumAngle, Nigeria
Pape Ibrahima Ndiaye, La Maison des Reporters, Senegal
Ibrahim Mansur, The Cable, Nigeria
Edem Venunye Alley, Le Nouveau Reporter, Togo
Faruk Umar Shuaibu, Daily Trust, Nigeria
Daouda Zongo, Wakatsera, Burkina Faso
Theophilus Adedokun, National Record, Nigeria
Ndiémé Faye, La Maison des Reporters, Senegal
Olayide Soaga, Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Nigeria
Abdulrasheed Hammad, Pen Press, Nigeria
